Learn about hallucinogens and substance abuse

Hallucinogens are a broad category of drugs named for their primary effect: inducing hallucinations. When ingested, these drugs create powerful sensory experiences that can last from minutes to hours. Some common hallucinogens include:

LSD

Psilocybin (or mushrooms)

Peyote/mescaline

DMT

Ayahuasca

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Ketamine

DXM (found in cold and cough medications)

Salvia

Although some people consider hallucinogens to be “safe,” they are actually dangerous drugs with the potential to cause enormous harm in the lives of those who use them.

Statistics

Hallucinogen abuse statistics

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the prevalence of PCP abuse is unknown, though it is estimated that approximately 2.9% of those ages 26 and older have reported using PCP at least once. Hallucinogen use disorders involving other hallucinogens are rather rare, with a maximum of about 0.6% among individuals between 18 and 29 years old. However, rates are much higher among individuals in treatment at a rehab center, with 19% having used hallucinogens in the past year.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for hallucinogen abuse

Research on the risk factors for hallucinogen abuse is somewhat limited. However, some trends have emerged in the research, including:

Genetic: The variance in risk associated with genetics, according to research on male twins, ranges from 26% to 79%.

Environmental: The effect of environmental influences on one’s risk of hallucinogen abuse is somewhat inconsistent, and further research must be done in order to fully explore the role that a person’s environment plays in determining his or her risk of developing a hallucinogen use disorder.

Risk Factors:

Lower educational attainment

Presence of other mental health and substance use disorders

History of risk-taking or illegal behaviors

Previous use of other drugs

Associating with peers who use drugs

Having a sensation-seeking temperament

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hallucinogen abuse

Those who abuse hallucinogens may share a common set of signs and symptoms, which may include:

Behavioral symptoms:

Neglecting important activities in favor of using

Continuing to use hallucinogens even in situations where doing so can be hazardous

Using hallucinogens despite being aware of significant problems caused by use of the drug

Unsuccessful efforts to reduce hallucinogen use

Spending excessive time acquiring, using, or recovering from use of hallucinogens

Failing to fulfill major role obligations due to hallucinogen use

Using hallucinogens over a longer period of time than originally intended

Physical symptoms:

Eye twitching

Dilated pupils

Blurred vision

High blood pressure

Rapid heart rate

Decreased response to pain

Difficulty moving or speaking

Muscle rigidity

Sweating

Tremors

Loss of coordination

Changes in hearing ability

Seizure

Needing to use higher doses of one’s chosen hallucinogen in order to achieve desired effects

Cognitive symptoms:

Perceptual changes, including altered perception of time, synesthesia, hallucinations, or intensification of perceptions or sensations

Poor judgment

Feeling as though one’s environment is not real

Feeling as though one’s body does not belong to the person

Experiencing cravings for hallucinogens

Psychosocial symptoms:

Experiencing social or relational problems as a result of hallucinogen use

Agitation or aggression

Anxiety

Feeling as though ordinary events are especially significant to the person

Paranoia

Effects

Effects of hallucinogen addiction

If left untreated, hallucinogen abuse can substantially impair a person’s ability to function effectively in everyday life. Some these negative effects can include:

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), also known as flashbacks, which occurs when a person who is not intoxicated experiences symptoms that were first present during an episode of intoxication

Poor performance at work or school

Loss of job

Financial difficulties

Relationship strain

Social isolation

Injury due to accidents, fights, and falls

Onset or worsening of mental health symptoms

Polysubstance use, addiction, or chemical dependency

Memory, speech, and cognitive deficits

Cardiovascular problems

Hemorrhage

Seizure

Co-Occurring Disorders

Hallucinogen addiction and co-occurring disorders

Unfortunately, people who abuse hallucinogens often meet criteria for other mental health disorders. Some of the most common of these disorders include:

Other substance use disorders

Anxiety disorders

Depressive disorders

Bipolar disorder

Antisocial personality disorder

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of hallucinogen withdrawal and overdose

Effects of hallucinogen overdose: When a person ingests more of a hallucinogen that his or her body can safely metabolize or excrete, he or she will experience an overdose. Overdoses are dangerous and require seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Signs and symptoms of an overdose can include:

Long-term use of hallucinogens can have a range of negative effects on a person’s life. Despite the possibility of these negative consequences, however, often people require professional assistance to overcome hallucinogen abuse.

At Sober Living by the Sea, we are proud to offer residential treatment for hallucinogen abuse through The Landing, The Rose, and Sunrise Recovery Ranch, our network of treatment & rehab centers. Often when a person is struggling with a substance use disorder, one of the most helpful methods of treatment can be to grant that person a chance to escape his or her everyday life and spend time in a safe, drug-free environment. Residential treatment and rehabilitation at Sober Living by the Sea provides 24-hour care for individuals who are hoping to overcome hallucinogen abuse and removes the temptation to relapse. By offering groups, individual therapy, family therapy, experiential therapies, and a host of other interventions, Sober Living by the Sea helps individuals experience their first 30-90 days of sobriety, and gives them an opportunity to learn tools for a drug-free life. With the help of our experienced and compassionate treatment teams, it is possible to overcome the influence of hallucinogens and begin the journey towards a healthier tomorrow.

“I have been in and out of treatment for years and could not remain sober for more than a couple years sometimes no more than 60 days. I finally found Sober Living by the Sea and they saved my life -- please go here if you want the best care and the most amazing staff!”

– Former Patient

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Sober Living by the Sea offers luxury residential treatment for drug and alcohol abuse in addition to co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety. Located in Newport Beach, California, our center has provided quality addiction rehab for 30+ years.